As you may know, the moral theology bin is always closed.
So let me ask you. Does an act that is "intrinsically
evil" always constitute "grave matter"? In other words
can an intrinsically evil act performed with sufficient
knowledge and full consent sometimes be venial sin, or is
it always be mortal sin?

Answer by Richard Geraghty on 11/11/2012:

Dear PJ,

As you seemed to indicate an intrinsic evil can be either a venial or a moral sin. Sin of any type is evil. But some actions are far more evil than other. Talking back to a parent is far less evil than shooting them.